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Tag Archives: Romance Santa Ynez Valley

As summer winds down and we return to more normal schedules of school and work, there’s much to look forward to in Santa Ynez Valley. From festivals celebrating our roots of heritage to festivals celebrating the roots of our crops, let’s celebrate fall!

Fall Events in SYV

2014 Grape Stomp Party
Bring the season to a start with a classic Grape Stomp Party! Hosted by Sevtap Winery, this harvest get-together will include live music, food and wine to set the mood for the main event. Buy tickets through Sevtap Winery’s website now.

Santa Barbara Vinters Celebration of Harvest
Celebrating the fruit (literally) of their labor, this harvest celebration includes wine maker dinners, winery and tasting room open houses and library tastings over the Columbus Day Weekend. There’s never been a better time to visit and discover the magic of this slice of California Wine Country!

Danish Days Festival
A visit to Solvang, CA is almost like making an international trip without leaving the country! And of all times to discover the Danish history that makes Solvang the treasure it is, the September weekend of the Danish Days Festival is simply the best. Danish food and dances will fill Solvang’s streets while its museums and businesses open their doors to visitors’ delight. For a full schedule of events, visit their site.

Los Alamos Old Days Street Festival
A true town of the Old West, Los Alamos celebrates its heritage each year with a festival. Complete with a car show, parade, food and live music, this year’s celebration is one for the whole family. Join them the weekend of September 26-28!

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There’s something truly magical about fall in Santa Ynez Valley. And while summer may be coming to a close, that doesn’t mean your traveling has to. The Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, situated among the area’s gorgeous vineyards, is a perfect place to celebrate the new season.

We’ve officially entered the long and sweet days of summer. There’s something about this season that calls for a slower pace, more time dedicated to simple things and dates with our favorite people. Whether you’re an SYV native or visiting for the week, make this list of events a part of your own summer 2014 in Santa Ynez Valley.

Santa Ynez Valley Dreamin – Summer in SYV

Wine Tasting All Summer with the Summer Pass
Your ticket to wine tastings at 15 premier boutique wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley, the Summer Pass at $40, is perhaps the best deal of the season! No reservation required, pass is good through August 31, 2014.

Fourth of July Festival & Fireworks Show
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of the Santa Ynez Valley, these explosions in the sky are considered the best on the Central Coast. Gates open at 1 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9 p.m. with fun, games and food in between.

Movie Night at Sevtap Tasting Room
Join the fine folks of Sevtap every Thursday for movies and good drinks. Movies range from cartoons to classics, including Casablanca later this month.

Jazz Under the Stars
Every Wednesday, dine under the shade of beautiful trees at The Vineyard House and enjoy the sounds of cool jazz all night long. A different artist or band every week, they’ll keep you coming back all summer.

Blind Tasting Thursdays
At Wandering Dog Wine Bar, every Thursday night is a great foodie adventure as you challenge your palate and learn about wine at the same time!

3rd Annual Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic
Benefiting People Helping People, join one of the area’s favorite summer events on July 19, 2014. Enjoy the thrill of polo – live and up close, along with a champagne reception and 3-course gourmet lunch. You’re invited to dress for the occasion with creative hats and festive charm.

Summer Concerts in Solvang Park
Every third Wednesday of the month, Solvang Park is filled with the music of the night. Open to the public, the concerts are free so grab your chairs, blankets and picnics and revel in a night of summer air and great music.

Solvang Farmers Market
Every Wednesday, enjoy all things local by shopping at the neighborhood Farmer’s Market.

Movies in Solvang Park
Grab the family and head to Solvang Park this summer on Friday nights for classics of all kinds. Still on the roster for this summer? Despicable Me 2, The Lego Movie, Frozen and Star Trek.

In the Vineyard and on the Farm
Seated beneath the sky and between the vines at Bernat Vineyards, join wine maker Sam Marmorstein, farmers Debby and Shu Takikawa and Chef Chris Joslyn for an unforgettable dining experience this August.

All Farm Dinner at Buttonwoods
Celebrating the farm-to-table tradition and their 8th year of bounty, Buttonwoods Farm, Vineyard and Winery invites you to a dinner under the stars. In true farm-to-table form, all parts of the meal, from arm-raised meat, farm-grown fruits and vegetables to Buttonwood’s famous peaches and award-winning wines will hail from Buttonwoods own land.

28th Annual Los Olivos Quick Draw & Arts Festival
This August, enjoy the arts in Los Olivos! This festival invites you to step into studios, observe talented artists as they work to complete original pieces of work within 1 hour and then sell them to the highest bid during an exciting live auction. Peruse different artists showing and selling original work, listen to live music, and enjoy delicious food and wine served by Chef/Partner Robbie Wilson and his team as well.

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The Santa Ynez Valley Marriott appreciates all the best things about summer – and we’re proud to help you experience them all during your stay. You’ll enjoy fabulous coastal weather and breathtaking sunsets as you pedal past miles of vineyards and cattle grazing the gentling rolling hillsides of SYV. Dinner al fresco by our outdoor pool will bring your night to a relaxing close while a sound sleep in one of our Marriott Revive beds will ready you for another day of SYV summer adventure! Book your summer stay now.

There’s no denying the beauty of Santa Ynez Valley. Generations of families have made their home here because of it. Thousands of people visit every year because of it. Even film directors, so delighted with the area, decided to make their movies here because of it. Forever immortalized on the silver screen, here is a brief film guide to Santa Ynez Valley.

Scene It – Movies filmed in beautiful Santa Ynez Valley

Sideways: Perhaps most famous, Sideways is the 2004 Oscar-award winning film by Alexander Payne. Following Miles and Jack (Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church), the movie traipses through California wine country as the men take one last road trip before Jack’s impending wedding. Capturing the Santa Ynez Valley in a tender, evocative way, Payne makes the land a character all its own, masterfully capturing small towns such as Solvang as well as local wineries, Ostrich Land and Gaviota State Beach. Lacing the land through the scenes and emotions of the men’s journeys, the film instantly makes you want to pay a visit, too.

Following the film’s success, fans began making their own journeys to the area to retrace the men’s steps. Maps for self-guided tours are available as well as professionally led ones. And ten years later, a celebration is planned this coming October for the film’s 10th anniversary.

Flying Lessons – A 2010 indepent film, Flying Lessons stars Maggie Grace and Hal Hol Brook as an unlikely pair, both struggling to remember their pasts. Shot solely in the Santa Ynez Valley, local director and producer Derek Magyar chose his home turf for the film because he believed it to be a picturesque canvas. Filming locations included downtown Santa Ynez streets and local spots like Maverick Saloon, Artiste Wine Tasting & Gallery and the Fossemalle Dance Studio.

Of Mice and Men – The 1992 film of John Steinbeck’s Depression-era classic has roots in the Santa Ynez Valley as well. Filmed in California’s rugged countryside, the rolling hills of SYV play witness to the friendship, dreams and downfalls of Lennie and George.

It’s Complicated – Nancy Meyers’ 2009 film starring Meryl Streep, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin captures the complicated relationship of a divorced couple while simultaneously capturing the tranquil charm and cool of nearby Westlake Village and Santa Barbara. It’s Meyers’ well-known eye for gorgeous backdrops that pushes SYV into the film as a quiet, but unmissable character.

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Knowing that Hollywood has already give its stamp of approval, isn’t it time to experience the movie magic of SYV personally? Proud to be in the very center of the scene, it’s Santa Ynez Valley Marriott’s pleasure to make your stay as film-worthy as possible with adventure packages including bicycle tours, wine tours and romantic getaways as well as VIP accommodations and amenities.

As spring unfolds, it’s inevitable that warm-weather getaways and summer vacation are increasingly on the brain. Seated in the heart of California’s wine country, the Santa Ynez Valley is certainly no stranger to California’s thrilling outdoor activities. From easy-going to adventure-seeking, when the great outdoors call, here’s where we answer.

Outdoor Fun in the Santa Ynez Valley:

Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park
Some of the finest remaining art of the Chumash Native Americans, these cave paintings are located in the shadows of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Adorning the sandstone walls of a cave, it’s believed that the art dates back to the 1600s and earlier. Be prepared for a steep path that leads to the cave entrance.

Gaviota State ParkLocated on Highway 101, the park is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, surf fishing, camping – and if you’re feeling especially ambitious – climbing Gaviota Peak for views of the coast and the Channel Islands. 37 of the beach’s 39 camping spaces can now be reserved for summer dates.

La Purisima Golf Course
This 18-hole championship course, designed by world-renowned architect Robert Muir Graves, is the perfect place to spend the day. Combine the experience of playing a course that’s equal parts challenging and beautiful with Santa Ynez’s spectacular weather and you have a match made in golf heaven. Welcoming everyone from PGA pros to amateur hopefuls, it’s easy to see why the course has twice received a 4 1/2 star score from readers of Golf Digest.

Nojoqui Falls Park
A short trail leads to the secluded Nojoqui Falls – a 100 foot waterfall. Ideal for a quiet afternoon retreat, the falls are best viewed after a rain, but are available to visit any time of year. Picnic tables, barbecue grills, ball fields, hiking trails and a playground deem the park a true family affair.

Alisal
The Alisal Ranch boasts two 18-hole championship golf courses – Ranch Course and River Course – each with a distinct terrain and personality. Offering a variety of golf services from practice facilities and professional instruction to tournament package plans and a fully stocked pro shop, Alisal is serious about making the most of your time on the green.

Figueroa Mountain
Often referred to as Figueroa Lookout, this summit is accessible by car, though some prefer an active bike ride to the top! Upon reaching the 4,000 foot high point, visitors are greeted with a panoramic view of the San Rafael Wilderness and the Santa Ynez Valley that is, in a word, breathtaking.

With winter on its last legs, wedding season is certainly on its way. As you look towards the day you say ‘I do’ (or help a loved one plan their special day), here are 10 reasons to plan a wedding in the Santa Ynez Valley:

1. The Backdrop
Sprawling, rolling, twirl and sing on a mountaintop kind of landscape – that’s what you find in Santa Ynez Valley. With this neck of the woods as your backdrop, everything from your ceremony location to pre-reception cocktails to photos will feel picture-perfect.

2. Near Perfect Weather
Repeat after us, 300+ days of sunshine. This is the place where outdoor weddings thrive.

3. Wine, Wine, Wine
You have come to wine haven, let the local agriculture do its part in making your celebration merry and bright.

4. Outdoor Adventures Await
In the downtime between matrimony festivities, your guests will have a slew of options for things to do. From wine tours to horseback riding, bike tours to golf courses. there’s something for everyone.

5. Your guests will thank you
Since we are talking about your guests, let’s just say it – they’re going to love you for choosing the Santa Ynez Valley. Yes, they are certainly looking forward to seeing you and your loved one tie the knot, but they’re counting the days until they reach that sweet California sun. A vacation is all they’ve ever wanted.

6. Choice Vendors
While it may sound like a challenge to plan your wedding long-distance, the vendors in the Santa Ynez Valley are superb at what they do. From photographers to florists, DJs to desserts, wedding planners to officiates, the area has everything you’ll need for the big day and grand celebration.

7. Romance is everywhere
From coastline sunsets and mountaintop views to wine soaked hills, Santa Ynez Valley has romance around every corner.

8. Great food
A diverse cultural history combined with a rich wine culture has created a deeply-satisfying mix of local culinary delights that are not to be missed.

9. From small town to city slick, it’s the best of both worlds.
The towns that comprise the Valley (including Solvang, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez) along with Santa Barbara are short drives away. California’s big city gems (San Francisco to the north and Los Angeles to the south) are but a road trip away.

10. Santa Ynez Valley MarriottA seasoned expert in the Santa Ynez Valley wedding scene, Santa Ynez Valley Marriott is the perfect choice for a wedding location. 15,000 square feet of flexible event space means whether your idea is an intimate ceremony or a lavish reception, indoor or outdoor, the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott has all the options. A convenient location, on-site wedding specialists and custom menus also help ease the planning process so that when your day arrives, it’s one that you can truly enjoy and cherish.

The Santa Ynez Valley has all the makings of a romantic date – lush, rolling hills beneath your feet, sweet sunshine above your head and wineries, small towns and nature-escapes all around. Now that the scenery has done half the work, here are eight ideas for romantic dates in Santa Ynez Valley.

Romance in the Santa Ynez Valley

Couples massage at Santa Ynez Valley Marriott – Unwind with your loved one by letting the hotel’s Natural Balance massage therapist work the worries right out of your muscles. The hotel offers a bounty of options including deep tissue massages that last 50 or 80 minutes.

Picnic at Nojoqui Falls Park – Pack a picnic complete with blanket, wine and games and take the short hike to Nojoqui Falls. The sound of the water and the experience of being secluded in the park will make the afternoon one to remember.

Glider Ride – Take a scenic flight with Windhaven Glider Rides and have your breath taken away by California’s natural beauty. Climbing 2,500 feet above the lower ridges of the Santa Ynez Coastal Mountain Range, you’ll see views of Lake Cachuma and the Santa Barbara Coastline.

Visit Solvang – As you soak in the Danish ambiance of this Santa Ynez Valley town, you’ll wonder if you’re even actually in California. Meander underneath windmills and in and out of the town’s unique shops, art galleries, restaurants and bakeries – and don’t forget to stroll the gardens of the Santa Ynez Mission!

Bike Tours – From strenuous workout to relaxing jaunt, the Santa Ynez Valley offers a bounty of bike tour options. Whichever you choose, beautiful backdrops will surround you as the wind whips past your face and you soak in some rays. Many bike companies also offer a wine tasting/ bike combo, which, after a workout never sounds like a bad idea.

Wine Tasting & Horseback Riding Tour – If bike rides aren’t your idea of a romantic date, maybe horseback tours are. With many tours to choose from, you can even combine the outing with a wine tasting and gourmet lunch – because that’s just what we do in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Sideways Tour – If you’re both cinema fans, retrace the story of the movie Sideways! 2014 marks the 10th anniversary of the Oscar-award winning film and Santa Ynez Valley plans to celebrate all year. From stops at boutique wineries to meals at the exact restaurants, let the story come to life as you follow Miles and Jack’s steps. There’s even a map to do just that.

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Romantic dates in Santa Ynez Valley may be easy to come by, but a great place to stay can be hard to find. At the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, we’d like to think that we’re experts at both. While planning your romantic Santa Ynez Valley date, be sure to book the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott Romance Package, complete with deluxe overnight accommodations for two, a bottle of champagne or wine upon arrival and breakfast buffet for two at our Starting Gate Restaurant.

Surprise your loved one with the gift of wine country romance…cupid approved!

The enchanting Santa Ynez Valley, celebrated for its world-class vineyards and wineries, miles of rolling hills, gnarled oaks, blue skies, innovative cuisine and artistic treasures, is the ideal destination for an intimate romantic getaway.

We’ve gathered some fresh ideas for you and your valentine to explore in and around the bountiful Santa Ynez Valley.

Santa Ynez Valley’s most popular wine tasting passport event, taking place this year February 15 – 18. With passport in tow, visit 15 world class winery tasting rooms located in Los Olivos, Solvang, Buellton and Santa Ynez, over the four-day weekend. This is a stellar opportunity to discover new wines and revisit old favorites. On Saturday, each tasting room will be serving catered hors d’ourves and you will have the opportunity to meet many of the vinters and owners. Take home a signature logo glass along with your memories. Passports are $45 and available online. Buy your passports early, as this event will sell out! Designated driver tickets are available for $10 each and include soft beverages and hors ‘dourves on Saturday.

Cutting-edge Wine Making without the Rules! A non-profit festival featuring 30 of Santa Ynez Valley’s signature high-quality, small-production, artisan winemakers, all pouring under one roof on February 16th, in Solvang. This is an unprecedented event combing personal winemaker interaction and renegade spirit. Showcasing high-quality, cutting-edge, small production, commercial wineries that produce fewer than 1,200 cases a year, the one-day festival begins at 11:00 AM with “The Ultimate Barrel Tasting – Oak Flavors Tasted and Explained” seminar. Winemaker and vineyard owner Michael Larner, of the renowned Larner Vineyard, and winemaker Ryan Render, of Rendarrio Vineyards and cooperage Tonnellerie Saint Martin, bring their knowledge of viticulture, winemaking, and barrels to the table. Attendees will learn (and taste) how different oak treatments – from type to region to toast – can affect the finished product and change the profile of a single wine. Grand Tasting runs from 2 PM – 5 PM. VIP All Access Pass: $80 per person, Grand Tasting – $50 per person. Tickets available online.

Valentines Carriage rides in Solvang Relax with your Valentine! The 30 minute horse drawn carriage ride includes: Wine-tasting at a local winery (21 and over only), a rose for your sweetheart, a handcrafted fudge-art heart piece with your names on it and dessert or coffee drink at Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Parlor.

If you are looking for an even more adventurous romantic plan…

Wine tasting series on bike. Why not combine cycling the beautiful scenery with great wine and food to create the perfect valley experience. Local operations are custom-tailored and day tours can include a romantic gourmet picnic lunch within the wine tasting and cycling routes.

Wine tasting series on horseback. Local stables offer horseback riding and wine tasting tours in the gorgeous Santa Ynez Valley. The scenery is breathtaking, and what more romantic way to travel from vineyard to vineyard than on horseback with your loved one?

Take a hike and a picnic at Nojoqui Falls. The Nojoqui Falls Park has a short trail to gaze at the falls in a gorgeous outdoor setting. The park has plenty of places to enjoy a picnic for two after you’ve taken in all the beautiful scenery.

Santa Ynez Valley Romance Package

Searching for that memorable gift for your someone special? Combine one or more of the fantastic local Santa Ynez adventures with a romantic stay at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott.

Celebrate your love with a romance-filled escape that includes:
A bottle of champagne or wine upon arrival, roses and truffles, and deluxe overnight accommodations for two.
Also includes your choice of: sumptuous breakfast buffet for two featuring cooked to order omelets at the Starting Gate Restaurant or breakfast for two in bed from room service. Why not pair your overnight stay with the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott’s “Share the Love” Valentine’s Dinner on February 14th.